Housing (Land Use)

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 1517: Land Use - Qualified Project - Retaliatory Downzoning

HB 1517 protects residential development projects targeted by "retaliatory downzoning" by allowing higher density. It defines a "qualified project" as a residential development (new construction or major renovation) that faced zoning changes after local officials publicly opposed it, while meeting affordable housing requirements (15% affordable units for 40 years, or 20% in jurisdictions with stricter prior rules). The bill requires local jurisdictions to permit density exceeding standard limits: 60% higher than typical in multifamily zones, or 50% of previous zoning density. This applies to projects in single-family, multifamily, nonresidential, or mixed-use areas, with specific density rules for each zone type.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 15-20% affordable units for 40 years and permits higher density development, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

Track

passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 11, 2026

HB 1259: Zoning Authorities - Operation of Family Child Care Homes - Prohibitions and Requirements

HB 1259 prohibits local Maryland jurisdictions (counties and Baltimore City) from denying or restricting family child care homes that meet state licensing requirements, including limiting the number of children below state standards. It requires local governments to classify these homes as residential activities and permit them under residential zoning rules. The bill amends Maryland's land use code to ensure consistency with state licensing standards and prevent local zoning barriers for licensed child care providers. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for family child care homes, enabling residential use under state licensing standards and preventing local restrictions on housing development.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 1538: Land Use - Accessory Dwelling Units - Requirements and Prohibitions (Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026)

HB 1538, the Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026, requires Maryland counties and municipalities to adopt local laws by October 1, 2026, permitting at least one internal accessory dwelling unit (ADU, like a converted basement) and one external ADU (like a backyard cottage) on single-family residential properties. The bill directly affects homeowners, local governments, and utility providers by prohibiting localities from imposing off-street parking requirements on ADUs, banning utility fees for shared meters/services, and exempting ADUs from property taxes. Key provisions include removing ADUs from density calculations for zoning purposes and ensuring they meet basic safety standards without requiring additional parking. This law aims to increase housing options for multi-generational households while streamlining development for existing single-family lots.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates ADU development on single-family properties, removes parking/utility barriers, directly increasing housing supply and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 778: Land Use - Middle Housing Options - Requirements

HB 778 requires Maryland counties to evaluate vacant or underused commercial and industrial land for potential housing development and update their comprehensive plans to include policies promoting "middle housing" (such as duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings). This applies to counties with comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027, and prohibits local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on middle housing projects. The bill mandates that housing elements of these plans assess opportunities for middle housing on suitable commercial or industrial sites. It aims to increase housing options by changing land-use rules without requiring specific housing types or income levels.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates counties to evaluate land for middle housing development and prohibits unreasonable restrictions, directly increasing affordable housing supply through policy changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 894: Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development - Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act)

HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, automatically designates qualifying transit-oriented developments (near rail stations with at least hourly service Monday-Friday 8am-6pm) as enterprise zones, granting tax incentives without separate approval. The bill requires the Maryland Development Corporation to prioritize redevelopment projects near transit in its loan programs and delays certain development fees for residential housing projects. It also changes local land use regulations near transit stations by altering municipal authority to restrict development in these areas.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill grants tax incentives for transit-oriented developments and delays development fees, directly advancing tax policy and fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAutomatically designates transit-oriented developments as enterprise zones for tax incentives, prioritizes transit-redevelopment in loan programs, and delays residential development fees - directly advancing housing development.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates tax incentives for transit-oriented developments, prioritizes transit-redevelopment in loans, and delays fees for housing near transit, directly advancing public transit infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Land Use Property Development Zoning Rail

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 1137: Residential-in-Commercial-Zone Laws - Study (Bring Back Main Street Act)

HB 1137 (the "Bring Back Main Street Act") requires Maryland counties to permit multifamily developments (buildings with 5+ residential units sharing walls) and mixed-use developments (primarily residential with non-residential space limited to under 50% of total floor area, confined to first floors) on certain properties. It prohibits counties from imposing restrictions on these developments, such as limiting building height or density, while allowing counties to require a minimum of 15% of floor space in mixed-use projects to be dedicated to retail uses and to mandate on-site parking. The bill directly affects counties (by changing their zoning authority), developers seeking to build these projects, and property owners on affected parcels. It updates Maryland’s land use code to streamline approval for these development types, aiming to support community revitalization.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires counties to permit multifamily/mixed-use developments, prohibiting density/height restrictions to increase housing supply and advance affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 99: Municipalities - Annexed Land - Land Use and Density

HB 99 modifies Maryland's rules for how municipalities can develop land after annexing it from counties. For 5 years following annexation, municipalities would no longer need county approval to develop annexed land for uses or densities (up to 50% higher) that align with the county's existing comprehensive plan recommendations. However, municipalities would still require county approval to exceed those recommended land uses or densities. This bill directly affects Maryland municipalities and counties by altering the balance of planning authority after annexation, effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables 50% higher density development without county approval, facilitating housing supply and aligning with comprehensive plans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 239: Land Use - Zoning - Limitations (Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026)

HB 239, the "Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026," prohibits Maryland local governments from enforcing zoning rules that restrict lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, or architectural features for certain single-family homes. It specifically prevents bans on "starter homes" (smaller, affordable single-family homes) and "silver homes" (housing designed for older adults) in zones where they are currently prohibited, and allows subdivisions of certain lots to create these housing types. The bill directly affects counties and municipalities by limiting their authority over zoning for these home types, requiring them to permit such developments in applicable areas. Key provisions include repealing existing zoning restrictions and adding new requirements to state law that mandate local jurisdictions to allow these housing options.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes zoning barriers for affordable starter homes and senior housing, enabling increased development of accessible housing types per its explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 325: Land Use - Permitting - Development Rights (Maryland Housing Certainty Act)

SB 325, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, requires local governments and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to base housing development approvals solely on land use rules in effect when a developer submits a complete application. It grants developers "vested rights" protecting approved projects from future rule changes for a set period and prohibits collecting development taxes or impact fees before construction is finished. The bill directly affects housing developers seeking permits and local regulatory agencies managing land use. It creates a new "Maryland Housing Certainty Act" section in state law to formalize these protections and fee restrictions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill facilitates housing development by granting developers vested rights and prohibiting pre-construction fees, directly advancing housing development as per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Taxes Zoning

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 243: Land Use - Comprehensive and General Plans - Alteration of Elements

HB 243 modifies Maryland's requirements for local governments' comprehensive and general plans. It adds new mandatory elements like Resilience, Place, and Ecology while replacing older terms (e.g., "Water Resources" becomes "Equity"). The bill requires charter counties and other local jurisdictions to include these updated elements in their plans, detailing goals for economic, social, and environmental development. State agencies must also provide data and guidance to help local governments meet these new standards. This affects how local governments structure long-term planning for land use, housing, transportation, and community facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds mandatory 'Ecology' element to local plans, requiring environmental development goals. Replaces 'Water Resources' with 'Equity' but explicitly mandates ecology focus for environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 'Equity' as a core element in land use plans, requiring inclusive housing development strategies that align with affordable housing and anti-discrimination policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning